Printed matter and display device

Abstract

A printed matter 2 comprises: a translucent base material 4; a design printing pattern 5 which is provided on one surface 4a of the translucent base material 4; and an adjustment pattern 30 which has a topology that serves as a reversal pattern with respect to the color pattern that constitutes the design printing pattern 5. The color pattern is composed of a plurality of color dots of one or more colors. Each of the plurality of color dots includes a binder for a color pattern and a plurality of pigment chips that are dispersed in the binder. Each of the plurality of pigment chips is an interference pigment for generating interfering light. With respect to this printed matter 2, the adjustment pattern 30 is formed of an ink that has a low diffusion effect.

Description

Printed materials and display devices

[0001] The present invention relates to printed matter and display devices.

[0002] Conventionally, printed matter has been known as a decorative sheet for walls, etc., which comprises a substrate and a printed pattern on the surface of the substrate, the printed pattern having a picture such as a wood grain pattern or an abstract design. On the wall surface on which the printed matter is provided, the picture is always visible. However, it is required that the visible pattern changes depending on whether or not a light source installed on the back side of the printed matter is used.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printed matter having a light source below a print pattern, in which when the light source is off, a pattern is visible due to reflected light from the print pattern made of RGB interference pigments, and when the light source is on, a pattern is visible due to transmitted light from the CMY print pattern (see Figure 11 of Patent Document 1). Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a decorative sheet having two patterns using interference pigments, in which when an image on the back side is not displayed, the patterns are visible, and when an image on the back side is displayed, the images are visible (see Figures 1 and 2 of Patent Document 2).

[0004] Patent No. 5725581 Patent No. 6839319

[0005] The printed matter described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a transmittance adjustment layer having a topology that is a reverse pattern of the printed pattern. This transmittance adjustment layer is made of ink with a diffusing effect in order to average the overall transmittance of light that passes through the entire area of ​​the base film. However, according to the inventors' studies, when an ink with a diffusing effect is used as the transmittance adjustment layer, when a light source installed on the back side of the printed matter is turned off, it has been found that the image of the printed pattern becomes cloudy due to reflection when external light is turned on, thereby reducing the design quality.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a printed matter and a display device that can prevent the picture of a picture print pattern from becoming cloudy and improve the design.

[0007] [1] One aspect of the present invention relates to a printed matter. The printed matter includes a translucent substrate, a picture print pattern provided on one side of the translucent substrate, and an adjustment pattern having a topology that is a reverse pattern of the color pattern that constitutes the picture print pattern. The color pattern is composed of a plurality of color dots of one or more colors, each of which includes a color pattern binder and a plurality of pigment chips dispersed within the binder, each of which is an interference pigment that generates interference light. In this printed matter, the adjustment pattern is formed using ink with a low diffusion effect.

[0008] This printed matter has an adjustment pattern with a topology that is the inverse of the color pattern of the picture printing pattern. In this case, the adjustment pattern can suppress the contrast difference between the picture and the gap when light is irradiated from a light source on the back side of the printed matter (when the light source is turned on). This suppresses the visibility of the reflected light picture, which is preferably invisible when light is irradiated from the light source on the back side of the printed matter. Furthermore, in this printed matter, such an adjustment pattern is formed using ink with a low diffusion effect. In this case, when the light source installed on the back side of the printed matter is turned off, light diffusion in the adjustment pattern due to reflected light from external lighting, etc., is suppressed, preventing the picture of the printed pattern from becoming cloudy. As a result, this printed matter can improve the design of the picture.

[0009] [2] In the printed matter described in [1] above, it is preferable that the ink constituting the adjustment pattern has a reflective haze value of 10% or less. In this case, it is possible to reliably prevent the image of the printed pattern from becoming cloudy when the light source installed on the back side of the printed matter is turned off. It is even more preferable that the ink constituting the adjustment pattern has a reflective haze value of 5% or less.

[0010] [3] In the printed matter of [1] or [2] above, the adjustment pattern is preferably formed using inks that adjust color by subtractive color mixing. In this case, a suitable adjustment pattern can be formed using so-called general-purpose inks such as CMY inks or CMYK inks.

[0011] [4] In the printed matter of any of [1] to [3] above, the adjustment pattern may be configured so that the transmittance spectrum shape of the adjustment pattern in the visible light range corresponds to the transmittance spectrum shape of the color pattern in the visible light range. In this case, the contrast difference in the printed matter can be reduced regardless of the spectrum of the light source used in the printed matter or the type of display device (e.g., an RGB spectrum light source), which is an example of the light source. This more reliably reduces the visibility of the reflected light pattern, which is preferably invisible when light is irradiated from a light source on the back side of the printed matter.

[0012] [5] In the printed matter of any of [1] to [4] above, the adjustment pattern may have a light reflectance of 5% or less in the visible light range, so that the black appearance of the printed matter is not impaired when the light source on the back side of the printed matter is turned off.

[0013] [6] The printed matter according to any one of [1] to [5] above may further include a transparent smoke print pattern provided on the opposite side of the picture print pattern from the light-transmitting substrate. In this case, the color development of the color pattern constituting the picture print pattern can be improved. Furthermore, because the transparent smoke print pattern is transparent, when the printed matter is incorporated into a display device, a decrease in the visibility of the image on the display device can be suppressed.

[0014] [7] It is preferable that the printed matter of any of [1] to [6] above further includes a solid layer provided between the picture print pattern and the adjustment pattern. In this case, since the adjustment pattern is formed on the solid layer, the position of the adjustment pattern relative to the picture print pattern can be highly accurate. This allows for a more optimal positional relationship between the picture print pattern and the adjustment pattern, and reliably suppresses the occurrence of contrast differences between the picture and the gaps. Note that the solid layer here is preferably a transparent smoke layer.

[0015] [8] In the printed matter of any of [1] to [7] above, the picture print pattern may include a first color pattern composed of a plurality of first color dots and a second color pattern composed of a plurality of second color dots, the second color pattern being arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first color pattern. Each of the plurality of first color dots may include a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed within the first color binder, and each of the plurality of second color dots may include a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed within the second color binder. Either of the plurality of first color pigment chips or the plurality of second color pigment chips may be a first interference pigment of multiple colors that respectively generate first interference light beams different from each other, and the other of the plurality of first color pigment chips or the plurality of second color pigment chips may be a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light beam different from the mixed color exhibited by the plurality of first interference pigments, and the first interference light beam and the second interference light beam may be additively mixed. In this printed matter, either the first color pattern or the second color pattern contains interference pigments of multiple colors that generate different interference lights, making it possible to achieve a three-dimensional image even with a small number of printed patterns. Furthermore, in this printed matter, only one of the first color pattern or the second color pattern needs to contain interference pigments that generate multiple interference lights, making it possible to simplify color matching and registration work during printing. Therefore, with this printed matter, even with a small number of printed patterns, it is possible to achieve a three-dimensional image and simplify color matching and registration work during printing.

[0016] [9] In the printed matter of [8] above, at least one of the first and second interference pigments may contain a small particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm and a large particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm. When the particle size of the interference pigment contained in the picture print pattern is small, the color development is weak, but the pattern does not appear too dark even when the printed matter is placed in front of a black screen. On the other hand, when the particle size of the interference pigment contained in the picture print pattern is large, the transparency of the printed matter increases, but the color development of the pattern can be improved. In this printed matter, the interference pigment is configured to contain a small particle size grade interference pigment and a large particle size grade interference pigment, and the small particle size grade interference pigment is arranged to fill the gaps between the large particle size grade interference pigments, thereby preventing the pattern from appearing too dark and providing a printed matter with excellent color development. In other words, a printed matter with the above configuration can provide a pattern with excellent visibility and color development. Furthermore, the inclusion of a large particle size grade interference pigment in this printed matter can suppress a decrease in the transparency of the printed pattern, and therefore, with this printed matter, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the visibility of the image on the display device when the power is turned on.

[0017]

[10] In the printed matter of [8] above, at least one of the first interference pigment and the second interference pigment may contain a small particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm and a large particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 25 μm to 60 μm. In this case, as with the printed matter of [9] above, the color development of the pattern can be improved. Furthermore, by suppressing an unnecessary decrease in the transparency of the printed pattern, the visibility of the image on the display device can be improved when used.

[0018]

[11] In the printed matter of any of [1] to [7] above, the picture print pattern may include a first color pattern composed of a plurality of first color dots and a second color pattern composed of a plurality of second color dots, the second color pattern being arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first color pattern. Each of the plurality of first color dots may include a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed within the first color binder, and each of the plurality of second color dots may include a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed within the second color binder. Either of the plurality of first color pigment chips or the plurality of second color pigment chips may be a first interference pigment of multiple colors that respectively generate first interference light beams different from each other, and the other of the plurality of first color pigment chips or the plurality of second color pigment chips may be a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light beam of the same color as any of the plurality of first interference pigment colors, and the first interference light beam and the second interference light beam may be additively mixed. In this printed matter, either the first color pattern or the second color pattern contains interference pigments of multiple colors that generate different interference lights, thereby achieving a three-dimensional image even with a small number of printed patterns. Furthermore, in this printed matter, the pattern containing the interference pigment that generates multiple interference lights can be either the first color pattern or the second color pattern, thereby simplifying color matching and registration during printing. Meanwhile, the other of the first color pattern and the second color pattern contains a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light of the same color as one of the multiple first interference pigments. For example, for a pattern that can be expressed with a small number of colors, limiting the second interference pigment to the same monochromatic color as the first interference pigment makes it possible to express the pattern by varying the intensity of the monochromatic color. Furthermore, when a certain color tone needs to be emphasized, using two patterns, the first color pattern and the second color pattern, makes it easier to adjust the color tone than adjusting it with just one color pattern. Furthermore, while adding too much interference pigment to one color pattern reduces the strength of the coating film, using two color patterns can prevent this loss of strength. As described above, this printed matter can simplify color matching and registration work during printing.

[0019]

[12] In the printed matter of any of [1] to [7] above, the picture print pattern may include a first color pattern composed of a plurality of first color dots and a second color pattern composed of a plurality of second color dots arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first color pattern. Each of the plurality of first color dots may include a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed within the first color binder, and each of the plurality of second color dots may include a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed within the second color binder. The plurality of first color pigment chips may be a first interference pigment that generates a monochromatic first interference light, and the plurality of second color pigment chips may be an interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light different from the color represented by the first interference pigment, and the first interference light and the second interference light may be additively mixed. In this printed matter, the first color pattern contains a first interference pigment that generates a monochromatic first interference light, and the second color pattern contains a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light that is different from the color represented by the first interference pigment. For example, for a pattern that can be expressed with a small number of colors, by limiting the interference pigments contained in the first color pattern and the second color pattern to a single color, it is possible to express the pattern using only the intensity of the monochromatic color. Therefore, this printed matter simplifies color matching and registration work during printing.

[0020]

[13] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a display device. The display device includes the printed matter according to any one of [1] to

[12] above and a light source. With this display device, when the light source is not lit, the picture of the picture print pattern is visible, and when the light source is lit, transmitted light from the light source (pattern display, video display, etc.) is visible.

[0021]

[14] In the display device of

[13] above, the light source may be a display device. With this display device, when the display is not lit, the picture of the picture print pattern is visible, and when the display is lit, transmitted light from the display (pattern display, video display, etc.) is visible.

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printed matter and a display device that prevent the picture of the picture print pattern from becoming cloudy and have improved design properties.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a printed matter included in the display device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating color dots included in the printed matter shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating adjustment dots included in the printed matter shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between color dots and adjustment dots. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the transmittance spectrum of a picture print pattern (color pattern) and the transmittance spectrum of an adjustment pattern in the visible light range. FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c) are cross-sectional views illustrating modified examples of printed matter. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a test apparatus for a display device including printed matter. FIG. 9(a) shows a reflected image acquired with the test apparatus shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 9(b) shows a transmitted image acquired with the test apparatus shown in FIG. 8. FIGS. 10(a) to 10(g) show test results for reflected images of Experimental Examples A to G. FIGS. 11(a) to 11(g) show test results for transmitted images of Experimental Examples A to G. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a contrast evaluation method in quantitative analysis of remaining patterns. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between monitor luminance and contrast threshold. FIGS. 14(a) to 14(g) show reflection images obtained in the tests shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(g) in which areas above the threshold are colored. FIG. 15 shows a graph showing the relationship between monitor luminance and contrast threshold, in which the maximum contrast values ​​of Experimental Examples A to G are plotted. FIGS. 16(a) to 16(d) are reflection images of Additional Experimental Examples J to M. FIGS. 17(a) to 17(d) are transmission images of Additional Experimental Examples J to M. FIG. 18 shows a graph showing the relationship between monitor luminance and contrast threshold, in which the maximum contrast values ​​of Additional Experimental Examples J to M are plotted. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of a pattern on a printed material. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of a pattern on a printed material. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of a pattern on a printed material. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modified example of a pattern on a printed material.

[0024] Specific examples of display devices according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same elements in the description of the drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a printed material included in the display device shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 1 includes a printed material 2 and a light source 3. The printed material 2 is a design sheet for expressing a pattern. The display device 1 and the printed material 2 are used, for example, on the wall or ceiling of a room. They may also be used in other areas. Examples of the pattern of the printed material 2 include a wood grain pattern and a stone grain pattern. The printed material 2 includes a light-transmitting substrate 4, a picture print pattern 5, and an adjustment pattern 30. The printed material 2 is disposed in front of the light source 3 (between the viewer and the light source 3). The printed material 2 is fully light-transmitting. Therefore, when the light source 3 is turned on, the viewer can see the light from the light source 3 that has passed through the printed material 2. When the light source 3 is turned off, the viewer can see the pattern expressed by the printed material 2. The light source 3 is, for example, a display device.

[0026] The light-transmitting substrate 4 is a substrate that is transparent to visible light. The light-transmitting substrate 4 is made of, for example, a transparent resin. Examples of transparent resins include PET, PMMA, polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. The light-transmitting substrate 4 may be a glass substrate. The thickness of the light-transmitting substrate 4 is, for example, 25 μm to 250 μm. In the case of a glass substrate, the thickness is, for example, several mm to 10 mm. If necessary, a surface protection layer may be provided on the surface side of the light-transmitting substrate 4 (the side opposite to the picture printing pattern 5).

[0027] The picture print pattern 5 is a print pattern that expresses the picture of the printed matter 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the picture print pattern 5 includes a first color pattern 10 provided on one surface 4 a of the light-transmitting substrate 4 and a second color pattern 20 provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the first color pattern 10. While the first color pattern 10 and the second color pattern 20 are shown as layers in FIG. 1 for the sake of schematic illustration, as shown in FIG. 2 , they are actually formed by a large number of dots. Specifically, the first color pattern 10 is formed by printing a plurality of first color dots 11, and the second color pattern 20 is formed by printing a plurality of second color dots 21. Note that the second color dots 21 may be printed directly on the surface 4 a of the light-transmitting substrate 4 in areas where the first color dots 11 are not printed.

[0028] The first color pattern 10 can be formed on the surface 4a of the light-transmitting substrate 4 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. As shown in FIG. 2 , the first color pattern 10 is composed of a plurality of first color dots 11. Here, the term "dot" refers to a point that constitutes an element of a printed image, and its shape is not limited to a circle and may be a rectangle, a polygon, or other shape. The same applies to dots in other patterns. As shown in FIG. 3 , each of the plurality of first color dots 11 includes a first color binder 12 (color pattern binder) and a plurality of first color pigment chips 13 dispersed within the first color binder 12. The content of the plurality of first color pigment chips 13 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight, where the first color binder 12 is 100 parts by weight.

[0029] Examples of the first color binder 12 include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the first color pattern 10 (first color dots 11) is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The first color pattern 10 may contain a curing agent. In this case, the heat resistance of the first color pattern 10 and the adhesion of the first color pattern 10 to the light-transmitting substrate 4 can be improved.

[0030] The multiple first color pigment chips 13 are interference pigments that generate interference light of a predetermined single color or a mixture of multiple colors. Each first color pigment chip 13 is composed of a flake 13a that is transparent to visible light and a metal oxide film 13b that covers the flake 13a. Light L incident on the first color pattern 10 from the translucent substrate 4 side is reflected by the surface of the metal oxide film 13b, and light that passes through the metal oxide film 13b and is reflected by the surface of the flake 13a interferes with each other to generate interference light L1. Adjusting the thickness and refractive index of the metal oxide film 13b allows the generation of interference light L1 having a desired wavelength.

[0031] The interference pigment constituting the first color pigment chips 13 is, for example, titanium dioxide-coated mica. The particle size range of the titanium dioxide-coated mica includes, for example, a range of 25 μm or more and 60 μm or less. Note that, here, "particle size" refers to the longest diameter of the particle cross section. The flakes constituting the first color pigment chips 13 may be made of a material other than mica, such as silica, alumina, glass, or polysilicate. The metal oxide film constituting the first color pigment chips 13 may be made of a material other than titanium dioxide, such as zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, or tin oxide.

[0032] When incident light L is incident on the first color pattern 10, each of the interference pigments that are the first color pigment chips 13 generates a first interference light L1. As a result, the interference pigment exhibits a single color or a mixed color. Note that the interference pigment that constitutes the first color pigment chips 13 may be, for example, a red interference pigment (red pearl pigment), a gold interference pigment (gold pearl pigment), or a green interference pigment (green pearl pigment).

[0033] Similar to the first color pattern 10, the second color pattern 20 can be formed on the first color pattern 10 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. As shown in FIG. 2, the second color pattern 20 is composed of a plurality of second color dots 21. Each of the plurality of second color dots 21 includes a second color binder 22 and a plurality of second color pigment chips 23 dispersed within the second color binder 22 (see FIG. 3). The content of the plurality of second color pigment chips 23 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight, where the second color binder 22 is 100 parts by weight.

[0034] Examples of the second color binder 22 include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the second color pattern 20 (second color dots 21) is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The second color pattern 20 may contain a curing agent. In this case, the heat resistance of the second color pattern 20 and the adhesion of the second color pattern 20 to the first color pattern 10 and the light-transmitting substrate 4 can be improved.

[0035] The second-color pigment chips 23 are interference pigments that generate interference light of a single color or a mixture of multiple colors. Like the first-color pigment chips 13, each second-color pigment chip 23 is composed of a visible-light-transmitting flake 23a and a metal oxide film 23b that covers the flake 23a. Light L incident on the second-color pattern 20 from the translucent substrate 4 that is reflected by the surface of the metal oxide film 23b interferes with light that passes through the metal oxide film 23b and is reflected by the surface of the flake 23a, generating interference light L2. Adjusting the thickness and refractive index of the metal oxide film 23b allows interference light L2 with a desired wavelength to be generated.

[0036] The interference pigment constituting the second color pigment chips 23 is, for example, titanium dioxide-coated mica. The particle size range of the titanium dioxide-coated mica includes, for example, a range of 25 μm to 60 μm. The flakes constituting the second color pigment chips 23 may be made of a material other than mica, such as silica, alumina, glass, or polysilicate. The metal oxide film constituting the second color pigment chips 23 may be made of a material other than titanium dioxide, such as zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, or tin oxide.

[0037] When incident light L is incident on the second color pattern 20, second interference light L2 is generated from each of the interference pigments that are the second color pigment chips 23. As a result, the interference pigment exhibits a single color or a mixed color. Note that the interference pigment that constitutes the second color pigment chips 23 may be, for example, a red interference pigment (red pearl pigment), a gold interference pigment (gold pearl pigment), or a green interference pigment (green pearl pigment).

[0038] In the printed matter 2, a picture is expressed by additively mixing the first interference light L1 generated by the first color pigment chip 13 and the second interference light L2 generated by the second color pigment chip 23.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the adjustment pattern 30 is provided on the picture printing pattern 5. The adjustment pattern 30 has a topology that is an inverse pattern of the color patterns that make up the picture printing pattern 5. The adjustment pattern 30 has a topology that is an inverse pattern of either the first color pattern 10, the second color pattern 20, or a color pattern that is a combination of the first color pattern 10 and the second color pattern 20 that make up the picture printing pattern 5. By having such an inverse pattern topology, the adjustment pattern 30 suppresses the occurrence of a contrast difference between the picture (areas where the pigment chips 13, 23 are present) and the void areas (areas where the pigment chips 13, 23 are not present) when light is irradiated from the light source 3 on the back side of the printed matter 2 (when the light source is turned on) (see FIG. 5 ). Note that although the adjustment pattern 30 is shown in layers in FIG. 1 , it is actually formed by a large number of dots as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0040] The adjustment pattern 30 is provided, for example, in a gap portion that is not a pattern (a portion where the pigment chips 13 and 23 are present), but does not have to cover the entire gap portion. The adjustment pattern 30 may be formed, for example, to occupy 50% or more of the area of ​​the gap portion, or 60% or more, or 70% or more. On the other hand, as long as a contrast difference between the pattern and the gap portion can be suppressed when light is irradiated from a light source on the back side of the printed matter 2 (when the light source is turned on), the adjustment pattern 30 may be formed, for example, to occupy less than 50%, or 40% or less, or 30% or less of the area of ​​the gap portion. Furthermore, the adjustment pattern 30 may be formed so as to partially overlap the pattern (a portion where the pigment chips 13 and 23 are present), and some misalignment of the adjustment pattern 30 is acceptable.

[0041] The adjustment pattern 30 can be formed on the first color pattern 10 and the second color pattern 20 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing, similar to the first color pattern 10 and the second color pattern 20. The adjustment pattern 30 is composed of a plurality of color dots 31 (adjustment dots). Each of the plurality of color dots 31 contains an adjustment binder 32 and a plurality of adjustment pigments 33 dispersed within the adjustment binder 32 (see FIG. 4 ). The ink used to form the color dots 31 can be an ink that adjusts color through subtractive color mixing, such as a general-purpose color ink such as CMY ink / CMYK ink (process color ink). In such subtractive color mixing inks, as shown in FIG. 4 , when light L enters the color dots 31, the adjustment pigments 33 absorb and scatter light L3.

[0042] Examples of the adjustment binder 32 include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the adjustment pattern 30 (color dots 31) is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The adjustment pattern 30 may contain a hardener. In this case, the heat resistance of the adjustment pattern 30 and the adhesion of the adjustment pattern 30 to the picture printing pattern 5 and the like (patterns printed before the adjustment pattern 30) can be improved.

[0043] The adjusting pigment 33 (coloring material) contained in the ink can be any conventionally known pigment (coloring material) used in printing inks such as various screen inks, inkjet inks, gravure inks, offset inks, etc. The colored ink may be used in a single color, or may be used as a special color made by mixing two or more colors.

[0044] More specifically, such adjustment pattern 30 is formed with color inks adjusted to have a topology that is the inverse of the flat patterns (such as the first color pattern 10) that make up the picture printing pattern 5, with adjusted reflectance and transmittance. For example, in the adjustment pattern 30, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 , adjustment pigments 33 are arranged in areas that are the inverse of the pigment chips 13, 23 of the picture printing pattern 5 (the first color pattern 10 and the second color pattern 20). An example of the color inks that form the adjustment pattern 30 is a mixture of CMY inks / CMYK inks using a urethane resin binder. This ink can be obtained by adjusting the concentration by mixing it with a medium ink, with a CMY ratio of, for example, C24M28Y30. Only K ink may be used, or a mixture of K ink and Y ink may also be used.

[0045] 6, adjustment pattern 30 is formed by adjusting it so that it has a transmittance spectrum shape in the visible light region (between wavelengths of 380 nm and 780 nm) that is similar to (corresponding to) the transmittance spectrum shape of picture printing pattern 5 using interference pigments. In this adjustment, the ratio of pigment inks (CMY inks, etc.) and the print density are adjusted so that there is no difference in contrast between picture printing pattern 5 and adjustment pattern 30. Here, when the transmittance spectrum shape of picture printing pattern 5 and the transmittance spectrum shape of adjustment pattern 30 are similar, they are adjusted so that the value of ΔE2000, which is the color difference between them, is close to 0.2 (for example, a value of 0.207).

[0046] Furthermore, the adjustment pattern 30 is formed using ink that has a low diffusion effect against reflections when external light is turned on. If an ink with a high diffusion effect is used, when the illumination light is turned on, the reflection may cause the design portion (the pattern shown as the picture print pattern 5) that requires "blackness" to become cloudy, thereby reducing the design quality. Therefore, in the printed matter 2 according to this embodiment, each color dot 31 of the adjustment pattern 30 is formed (printed) using ink that has a reflection haze value of 10% or less. This reflection haze value is preferably 5% or less, and more preferably 3% or less. By reducing the reflection haze value of the ink used, the blackness of the design can be maintained. The "reflection haze value" referred to here can be measured, for example, using an appearance analyzer, such as the Rhopoint IQ-S (product name, manufactured by Konica Minolta Japan, Inc.). During measurement, a measurement sample may be placed on a black PET sheet and measured using the above-mentioned measuring device.

[0047] The adjustment pattern 30 is also adjusted to have a light reflectance of 5% or less in the visible light range. This prevents the adjustment pattern 30 from obscuring the black of the image. The ink used for the adjustment pattern 30 is opaque. The ink used for the adjustment pattern 30 can be, for example, any of various printing inks containing conventionally known pigments (colorants). Examples of pigments (colorants) include various colorants and extender pigments. Examples of colorants include azo pigments, disazo pigments, bisazo pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, anthraquinone pigments, isoindolinone pigments, dioxazine pigments, quinacridone pigments, perylene pigments, carbon black pigments, lake black pigments, perylene black pigments, aniline black pigments, iron oxide pigments, titanium pigments, and zinc sulfide pigments. Examples of extender pigments include (fine particle) silica, talc, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, bentonite, precipitated barium sulfate, zinc oxide, and alumina. These colorants and extender pigments may be used alone or in combination.

[0048] The total light transmittance of the printed matter 2 having such a configuration is, for example, 30% to 70%. The total light transmittance here refers to a value measured using a spectrophotometer (for example, the UV-2100 spectrophotometer manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

[0049] 7A to 7C, modified examples of the printed material 2 will be described. Note that the printed materials 2A to 2C according to these modified examples are also used in combination with the light source 3, similar to the case of FIG.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7A , the printed matter 2A according to the modified example further includes a translucent substrate 4, a picture printing pattern 5 (first color pattern 10, second color pattern 20), an adjustment pattern 30, and a translucent smoke printing layer 40 (translucent smoke printing pattern). The translucent smoke printing layer 40 is, for example, a solid print and is disposed between the picture printing pattern 5 and the adjustment pattern 30. The translucent smoke printing layer 40 has the function of attenuating light from the front side of the viewpoint that passes through the printed matter 2. The translucent smoke printing layer 40 is disposed on the opposite side of the picture printing pattern 5 from the translucent substrate 4. The translucent smoke printing layer 40 can be disposed on the second color pattern 20 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing using ink in which a small amount of carbon black is dispersed in a resin binder such as a vinyl-based, acrylic-based, urethane-based, or polyester-based binder. The thickness of the transparent smoke print layer 40 is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm.

[0051] 7(b), a printed matter 2B according to another modification, like the printed matter 2A, further includes a translucent smoke printed layer 40 in addition to the light-transmitting substrate 4, the picture printed pattern 5 (first color pattern 10, second color pattern 20), and the adjustment pattern 30. However, in the printed matter 2B, the translucent smoke printed layer 40 is provided on top of the adjustment pattern 30.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7C , a printed matter 2C according to yet another modification includes a white pattern 50 in addition to the printed matter 2B. The white pattern 50 can be formed on the transparent smoke print layer 40 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. The white pattern 50 is composed of a plurality of silver dots. Each of the plurality of silver dots contains a silver binder and a plurality of silver pigment chips dispersed within the silver binder. The content of the plurality of silver pigment chips is, for example, in the range of 0.5 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight, assuming that the silver binder is 100 parts by weight. Examples of silver binders include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the white pattern 50 is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The white pattern 50 is formed, for example, between the second color pattern 20 and the adjustment pattern 30.

[0053] As described above, the printed matter 2 and display device 1 according to this embodiment are provided with an adjustment pattern 30 having a topology that is an inverted pattern relative to the color pattern of the picture printing pattern 5. In this case, when light is irradiated from the light source 3 on the back side of the printed matter 2, the adjustment pattern 30 can suppress the occurrence of a contrast difference between the picture and the gap portion. This suppresses the visibility of the picture printing pattern 5, which is preferably invisible when light is irradiated from the light source 3 on the back side of the printed matter 2. Furthermore, in the printed matter 2 and display device 1, such adjustment pattern 30 is formed using ink that has a low diffusion effect against reflections. In this case, when the light source 3 installed on the back side of the printed matter 2 is turned off, the picture of the picture printing pattern 5 does not become cloudy due to reflections from external lighting, etc., thereby improving the design of the picture.

[0054] In the printed matter 2 and display device 1 according to this embodiment, the reflected haze value of the ink constituting the adjustment pattern 30 is 10% or less. This reliably prevents the picture in the picture printing pattern 5 from becoming cloudy due to reflection from external lighting or the like when the light source 3 installed on the back side of the printed matter 2 is turned off.

[0055] In the printed matter 2 and the display device 1 according to this embodiment, the adjustment pattern 30 is formed using ink that adjusts color by subtractive color mixing. In this case, the adjustment pattern can be formed using so-called general-purpose ink such as CMY ink.

[0056] In the printed matter 2 and display device 1 according to this embodiment, the adjustment pattern 30 may be configured so that the transmittance spectrum shape in the visible light region of the adjustment pattern corresponds to the transmittance spectrum shape in the visible light region of the picture printing pattern 5. In this case, the contrast difference in the printed matter 2 can be reduced regardless of the spectrum of the light source 3 used in the printed matter 2 or the type of display device (e.g., an RGB spectrum light source) which is an example of the light source 3. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress the visibility of the picture that is preferably invisible when light is irradiated from the light source 3 on the back side of the printed matter 2.

[0057] In the printed matter 2 and the display device 1 according to this embodiment, the adjustment pattern 30 has a light reflectance of 5% or less in the visible light range, which does not impair the black appearance of the printed matter 2 when the light source 3 on the back side of the printed matter 2 is turned off.

[0058] The printed matter 2 and display device 1 according to this embodiment may further include a transparent smoke print layer 40 provided on the side of the picture print pattern 5 opposite the light-transmitting substrate 4. In this case, the color development of the color pattern that constitutes the picture print pattern 5 can be improved. Furthermore, because the transparent smoke print layer 40 is transparent, when the printed matter 2 is incorporated into the display device 1, a decrease in the visibility of the image on the display device 1 can be suppressed.

[0059] In the printed matter 2 and display device 1 according to this embodiment, the transparent smoke printed layer 40 provided between the picture printing pattern 5 and the adjustment pattern 30 is a solid layer. In this case, because the adjustment pattern 30 is formed on the solid layer, the position of the adjustment pattern 30 relative to the picture printing pattern 5 can be highly accurately determined. This allows the picture printing pattern 5 and the adjustment pattern 30 to have a more favorable positional relationship, thereby reliably suppressing the occurrence of a contrast difference between the picture and the gap portion.

[0060] [Experimental Examples] Next, experimental examples of printed matter having the above-described configuration will be described, although the present invention is not limited to these experimental examples.

[0061] The following were prepared for Experimental Examples A to G.

[0062] Experimental example A was a printed matter in which, in the configuration shown in Fig. 1, a transparent smoke printed layer 40 was provided on the picture printed pattern 5 instead of the adjustment pattern 30. That is, two colors of pearl pattern (first color pattern 10 and second color pattern 20) were formed in sequence by screen printing on the light-transmitting substrate 4, and then a solid layer of transparent smoke printed layer 40 was formed thereon by printing. The patterns in the other experimental examples were also created by screen printing in a similar manner.

[0063] Experimental Examples B and C are examples of the present invention. Experimental Example B was a printed matter having the configuration shown in FIG. 7(a), and Experimental Example C was a printed matter having the configuration shown in FIG. 7(b). That is, in Experimental Example B, two colors of pearlescent patterns (first color pattern 10 and second color pattern 20) were sequentially printed on a translucent substrate 4, a solid transparent smoke printed layer 40 was formed thereon, and an adjustment pattern 30 was then formed thereon. On the other hand, in Experimental Example C, two colors of pearlescent patterns (first color pattern 10 and second color pattern 20) were sequentially printed on a translucent substrate 4, a adjustment pattern 30 was then directly formed thereon, and a solid transparent smoke printed layer 40 was then formed thereon. The formed adjustment pattern 30 was a printed pattern having a reverse topology of the picture printed pattern 5. The adjustment pattern 30 was formed using CMY inks using subtractive color mixing. The ink used here had a CMY ratio of C24M28Y30, and was mixed with a medium ink to adjust the density. This ink has a low diffusion effect on reflection, with a reflection haze value of 5% or less. Its reflectance to light in the visible light range was also 5% or less.

[0064] Experimental Examples D and E were printed matters corresponding to Experimental Examples B and C, respectively, except for the ink used to form adjustment pattern 30. The ink used in Experimental Examples D and E was silver pearl ink. In Experimental Examples D and E, adjustment patterns having a topology that was a reverse pattern of picture printing pattern 5 were formed using silver pearl ink. In these Experimental Examples D and E, a silver pearl pigment was added and dispersed in the same binder as for picture printing pattern 5 in Experimental Examples B and C. The content of the added silver pearl pigment was 5 parts by weight of silver pearl pigment having a particle size of 5 to 25 μm, based on 100 parts by weight of binder.

[0065] Experimental Examples F and G were printed matters corresponding to Experimental Examples B and C, respectively, except for the ink used to form the adjustment pattern 30. The ink used in Experimental Examples F and G was an ink containing urethane beads. In Experimental Examples F and G, an adjustment pattern having a topology that was a reverse pattern of the picture printing pattern 5 was formed using the urethane bead-containing ink. In Experimental Examples F and G, urethane beads were added and dispersed in the same binder as in the picture printing pattern 5 of Experimental Examples B and C. The content of the added urethane beads was 5 parts by weight of urethane beads having a particle size of 4 to 7 μm, assuming 100 parts by weight of the binder.

[0066] The pattern / layer configurations of Experimental Examples A to G are summarized in Table 1 below.

[0067] FIG. 8 shows an apparatus for detecting the surface condition of such a sample, comprising a light source 3 serving as a monitor, two cameras C1 and C2, and a light source T. The light source T was a white LED line light source. The illumination angle of the light source T was 35 degrees relative to a line perpendicular to the surface on which the sample S (printed matter 2) was placed. The cameras C1 and C2 were color line cameras (7.04 μm × 4096 px) with a lens resolution of 58.8 μm / px and an acquired image size of 4096 px. The camera C1 was positioned on a line perpendicular to the surface on which the sample S was placed (90-degree frontal photography). The camera C2 was positioned at a wide angle of 75 degrees relative to the perpendicular line (75-degree wide-angle photography). In this test apparatus, which is an image acquisition system, a reflected image (the image of the picture print pattern 5) could be acquired (frontal photography) when the power to the monitor (light source 3) was turned off, as shown in FIG. 9(a). Furthermore, as shown in (b) of Figure 9, when the power supply of the monitor (light source 3) was turned on, a transmitted image (image of the monitor transmitted through the picture printing pattern 5) could be obtained (frontal photography).

[0068] Figures 10(a) to 10(g) show test results for reflected images corresponding to Experimental Examples A to G, respectively. Figures 11(a) to 11(g) show test results for transmitted images corresponding to Experimental Examples A to G, respectively. Figures 11(a) to 11(g) correspond to Figures 10(a) to 10(g), respectively, and all images were taken from the front. Wide-angle images showed similar trends to those from the front. As shown in Figure 10, when the light source 3 was turned off, Experimental Examples B and C (colored inks, see Figure 10(b) and 10(c)) and Experimental Examples F and G (urethane bead inks, see Figure 10(f) and 10(g)) achieved design quality comparable to that of Experimental Example A (see Figure 10(a)), which did not have a reversed pattern adjustment pattern. On the other hand, in Experimental Examples D and E (silver ink, see (d) and (e) of FIG. 10), the entire image became cloudy and the color changed, and it was confirmed that the design was deteriorated.

[0069] 11, when the power supply of the light source 3 is turned on, it was confirmed that, compared to Experimental Example A (see FIG. 11(a)), which does not have a reversed pattern adjustment pattern, Experimental Examples B and C (colored inks, see FIG. 11(b) and (c)) and Experimental Examples D and E (silver pearl ink, see FIG. 11(d) and (e)), the reflected image (wood grain pattern of the picture printing pattern 5) is not conspicuous when the transmitted image is displayed, but is suppressed, as in Experimental Example A. On the other hand, it was confirmed that Experimental Examples F and G (urethane bead ink, see FIG. 11(f) and (g)), like Experimental Example A, the reflected image is conspicuous and not suppressed.

[0070] Comparing the reflected and transmitted images of Experimental Examples A to G, it was confirmed that, as in Experimental Examples B and C, by providing an adjustment pattern with a topology that is an inverse of the color pattern that constitutes the picture print pattern on the printed material, and further by creating this adjustment pattern with ink that has a low diffusion effect, it is possible to suppress cloudiness and improve the design of the reflected light pattern while suppressing the visibility of the reflected light pattern, which should preferably be invisible when illuminated by light from a light source on the back side of the printed material. In the case of Experimental Example B in Figures 10(b) and 11(b), the display of the reflected light pattern when illuminated by light from the light source was particularly suppressed. This is thought to be because, in Experimental Example B, the inverse pattern was printed on a solid layer, which enabled the accuracy of the printing position of the inverse pattern relative to the pattern pearl to be improved.

[0071] Here, we will explain the method for quantitative analysis of pattern residue. In this explanation procedure, in order to evaluate the contrast of the pattern residue, after taking the images described above (see FIG. 12(a)), each image was converted into brightness value data and subjected to integration processing by convolving a visibility filter that traces the spatial characteristics of vision. Then, from the image convolved with the visibility filter, a cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the design pattern was extracted (see FIG. 12(b)), and a judgment of pattern visibility was made based on a threshold value according to the height (intensity) of that cross-section. Portions higher than the threshold were judged to be NG zones.

[0072] In addition, the illumination intensity was varied relative to the brightness of the monitor, which serves as the light source for the display device configured as shown in Figure 1, to obtain "images in which the remaining design is not visible." The maximum contrast obtained was set as the threshold. The monitor brightness was varied at four levels. The relationship between monitor brightness and the limit of visibility contrast threshold was then expressed as a mathematical formula, as shown in Figure 13. Areas below the formula shown in Figure 13 represent areas in which the design pattern is invisible, while areas above this formula represent areas in which the design pattern is visible. However, even in areas where the design pattern is visible, the design pattern is difficult to see (below the threshold level formula W2 in Figure 15), so some areas show improvement. Figure 14 shows an example of transmission analysis of an image obtained from the front. The images shown in Figure 14 (a) to (g) correspond to the images shown in Figure 11 (a) to (g), respectively. As is clear from Figure 14, Experiments B and C demonstrate improved design pattern visibility when viewed through light compared to Experiments A and the like.

[0073] 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the brightness of the monitor (light source 3) and the contrast threshold. This graph plots the monitor brightness and contrast threshold values ​​for Experimental Examples A to G. All of Experimental Examples A to G are located above the contrast threshold formula W1, but experimental examples that are close to this formula show improved retention of the design pattern when light is transmitted. For example, if the threshold level acceptable from a practical standpoint is formula W2, then it can be said that the retention of the design pattern has been improved for Experimental Examples B, C, D, and E, which are located below this formula.

[0074] [Additional Experimental Examples] Next, additional experimental examples for printed matter having the above-described configuration will be described, but the present invention is not limited to these additional experimental examples.

[0075] As additional experimental examples, the following Experimental Examples JM were prepared.

[0076] Experimental Example J was an example of the present invention and was a printed matter with the configuration shown in FIG. 7(b). Specifically, Experimental Example J involved sequentially printing two pearlescent colors (first color pattern 10 and second color pattern 20) on a translucent substrate 4, forming an adjustment pattern 30 thereon, and then providing a solid, translucent smoke print layer 40 thereon. The pattern was a wood grain pattern based on black and white. The formed adjustment pattern 30 was a print pattern with a reverse topology of the picture print pattern 5. The adjustment pattern 30 was formed using subtractive K ink (black ink) and Y ink. The ink used here was mixed with a medium ink to adjust the color and density. This ink had a low diffusion effect on reflection, and its reflection haze value was 5% or less. Furthermore, its reflectance for light in the visible light range was 5% or less.

[0077] Experimental Example K was a comparative example, and was a printed matter having the configuration shown in Fig. 1 except that the adjustment pattern 30 was removed. That is, in Experimental Example K, two pearlescent colors (first color pattern 10 and second color pattern 20) were printed sequentially on a translucent substrate 4, and a solid translucent smoke printed layer 40 was formed thereon (formed with K ink). The design was a normal wood grain pattern.

[0078] Experimental Example L was an example of the present invention, and was a printed matter with the configuration shown in FIG. 7(b). Specifically, in Experimental Example L, two pearlescent colors (first color pattern 10 and second color pattern 20) were printed sequentially on a translucent substrate 4, an adjustment pattern 30 was formed thereon, and a solid translucent smoke printed layer 40 was then provided on top of that. The pattern was a pebble pattern. The formed adjustment pattern 30 was a printed pattern with a reverse topology of the picture print pattern 5. The adjustment pattern 30 was formed using subtractive K ink (black ink). The K ink used here was mixed with a medium ink to adjust the density. This ink had a low diffusion effect on reflection, and its reflection haze value was 5% or less. Furthermore, its reflectance for light in the visible light range was 5% or less.

[0079] Experimental Example M was an embodiment of the present invention, and was a printed matter having the configuration shown in FIG. 7(a). Specifically, in Experimental Example M, two pearlescent colors (first color pattern 10 and second color pattern 20) were printed sequentially on a translucent substrate 4, followed by a solid translucent smoke printed layer 40, on which an adjustment pattern 30 was formed. The pattern was a standard wood grain pattern. The formed adjustment pattern 30 had a reverse topology of the picture printed pattern 5. The adjustment pattern 30 was formed using subtractive CMY ink. The ink used here had a CMY ratio of C24M28Y30, and the density was adjusted by mixing it with a medium ink. This ink had a low diffusion effect on reflection, with a reflective haze value of 5% or less. Furthermore, the reflectance for light in the visible light range was 5% or less.

[0080] 16(a) to 16(d) show reflection images of additional Experimental Examples J to M. FIG. 17(a) to 17(d) show transmission images of additional Experimental Examples J to M.

[0081] Here, for the additional experimental examples J to M, a method for determining whether or not an adjustment pattern 30 (reverse pattern) formed with ink having a low diffusion effect is applied to the target printed matter will be explained by judging experimental examples J to M. The method for determining whether or not a reverse pattern is applied can be carried out using, for example, some or all of the following methods. Note that in the following, the judge is a person different from the person who created the printed matter. (1) Visual evaluation (possibility of using a reverse pattern) (2) Optical microscope inspection (presence or absence of CMY / CMYK ink) (3) Optical microscope inspection (determination of patterning) (4) Line camera (determination by quantifying pattern residue)

[0082] (1) Visual evaluation (possibility of using a reversed pattern) was carried out by simply visually observing the prints of Experimental Examples J to M and determining whether they could be used in reverse. At this time, the prints were observed by shining light through them from below.

[0083] (2) Regarding the optical microscope inspection (presence or absence of CMY / CMYK inks), the printed matter of Experimental Examples J to M was visually observed at a magnification of 1000x using an optical microscope (Digital Microscope VHX-800 (product name), manufactured by Keyence Corporation) to determine the presence or absence of CMY inks / K inks. At this time, the observation was carried out by transmitting light from below the printed matter.

[0084] (3) Regarding the optical microscope inspection (determination of patterning), the same optical microscope as in (2) above was used to perform tiling observation of the printed matter of Experimental Examples J to M at a magnification of 250x to determine the presence or absence of patterning. At this time, the observation was performed by transmitting light from below the printed matter.

[0085] (4) Regarding the line camera (determination by quantifying pattern residue), quantitative analysis was performed on the printed matter of Experimental Examples J to M using the method described above with reference to FIG. 12 and the like.

[0086] Table 2 below shows the results of the above evaluation methods (1) to (4) and the overall judgment for prison cases J to M.

[0087]

[0088] As is clear from the results shown in Table 2, it was confirmed that evaluation methods (1) to (4) enable appropriate overall evaluation. In Experimental Example J, Y ink was also used as the adjustment pattern 30, but this could not be determined visually using Evaluation Method (2). This is thought to be due to the difficulty of visually determining Y ink. However, the presence or absence of K ink was determined, and weak contrast (i.e., the use of a reversed pattern) was determined using Evaluation Method (4). This confirms that the use or absence of a reversed pattern can be adequately determined even for such a configuration. Figure 18 also shows plots of the contrast thresholds for additional Experimental Examples J to M. It was confirmed that all of Experimental Examples J, L, and M, which are working examples, were located near the contrast threshold formula W1.

[0089] [Modifications of Print Pattern] Modifications of the color patterns constituting the picture print pattern 5 will now be described with reference to Figs. 19 to 22. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the picture pattern in the printed matter. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the picture pattern in the printed matter. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a third modification of the picture pattern in the printed matter. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modification of the picture pattern in the printed matter. Below, differences between the above-described printed matter 2 and picture print pattern 5 will be mainly described, and commonalities may be omitted. Note that for configurations other than the picture print pattern 5, the configurations of the above-described printed matters 2, 2A to 2C can be applied as appropriate.

[0090] 19 , the picture printing pattern 5 of the printed matter 2 according to the first modification has a first color pattern 10 made up of a plurality of first color dots 11, and a second color pattern 20 made up of a plurality of second color dots 21, which is arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first color pattern 10. Each of the plurality of first color dots 11 includes a first color binder 12 and a plurality of first color pigment chips 13 dispersed within the first color binder 12.

[0091] In the first modification, the multiple first color pigment chips 13 are first interference pigments 14a, 14b of multiple colors that generate different interference lights. Each of the first interference pigments 14a, 14b is composed of a thin flake that is transparent to visible light and a metal oxide film that covers the thin flakes (see FIG. 3). When incident light L enters the first color pattern 10, each of the first interference pigments 14a, 14b generates different first interference lights L4, L5. That is, in the first modification, the wavelengths of the first interference lights L4, L5 are different from each other. As a result, the first interference pigments 14a, 14b exhibit a mixed color. The first interference pigments 14a, 14b are, for example, a red interference pigment (red pearl pigment) and a gold interference pigment (gold pearl pigment), respectively. In this case, the first interference lights L4, L5 exhibit red and gold, respectively. However, the colors of the pigments are not limited. The blending amounts of the first interference pigments 14a and 14b may be the same or different from each other.

[0092] In the first modification, the multiple second color pigment chips 23 are second interference pigments 24 that generate a monochromatic interference light L6 different from the mixed color represented by the first interference pigments 14a and 14b. The second interference pigment 24 is composed of flakes that are transparent to visible light and a metal oxide film that covers the flakes (see FIG. 3 ). When incident light L is incident on the second color pattern 20, the second interference pigment 24 generates a monochromatic second interference light L6. As a result, the second interference pigment 24 exhibits a monochromatic color. The second interference pigment 24 may be any interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light L6 different from the mixed color represented by the first interference pigments 14a and 14b, such as a green interference pigment (green pearl pigment). In this case, the second interference light L6 exhibits green.

[0093] In the printed matter 2 according to this first modification, the image is expressed by additively mixing the first interference light L4, L5 generated by the first interference pigments 14 a, 14 b and the second interference light L6 generated by the second interference pigment 24. Note that an embodiment is also possible in which the second color pattern 20 includes interference pigments of multiple colors that generate different interference light L4, L5, and the first color pattern 10 includes an interference pigment that generates a single-color interference light L6 that is different from the mixed color.

[0094] In the printed matter 2 according to the first modified example 1, either the first color pattern 10 or the second color pattern 20 contains interference pigments of multiple colors that generate different interference lights L4 and L5, so a three-dimensional image can be produced even with a small number of printed patterns. Furthermore, in this printed matter 2, the pattern containing the interference pigment that generates the multiple interference lights L4 and L5 can be either the first color pattern 10 or the second color pattern 20, so color matching and registration work during printing can be simplified. Therefore, the printed matter 2 according to the first modified example can produce a three-dimensional image even with a small number of printed patterns, and color matching and registration work during printing can be simplified.

[0095] 20 , the picture printing pattern 5 of the printed matter 2 according to the second modification has a first color pattern 10 made up of a plurality of first color dots 11, and a second color pattern 20 made up of a plurality of second color dots 21, which is arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first color pattern 10. Each of the plurality of first color dots 11 includes a first color binder 12 and a plurality of first color pigment chips 13 dispersed within the first color binder 12.

[0096] In the second modification, the multiple first color pigment chips 13 are multiple color first interference pigments 14a, 14b that generate different interference light beams L7, L8. Each of the first interference pigments 14a, 14b is composed of a thin platelet that is transparent to visible light and a metal oxide film that covers the thin platelet (see FIG. 3). The first interference pigment 14a includes multiple first titanium dioxide-coated mica particles 15a with a small particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm and multiple second titanium dioxide-coated mica particles 15b with a large particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm. The first interference pigment 14b includes multiple first titanium dioxide-coated mica particles 16a with a small particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm and multiple second titanium dioxide-coated mica particles 16b with a large particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm. The average particle size (D50) of the first titanium dioxide-coated mica 15a, 16a is, for example, approximately 15 μm, and the average particle size (D50) of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b, 16b is, for example, approximately 25 μm. As a result, the average particle size of the first titanium dioxide-coated mica 15a, 16a is smaller than the average particle size of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b, 16b. The second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b, 16b may have a particle size range of 25 μm to 60 μm. In this case, the average particle size (D50) of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b, 16b is, for example, approximately 35 μm. As shown in FIG. 20 , each of the multiple first titanium dioxide-coated mica 15a, 16a is arranged so as to fill the gaps between the multiple second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b, 16b. Here, the term "particle size" means the longest diameter of the cross section of a particle.

[0097] When incident light L is incident on the first color pattern 10, the first interference pigments 14a, 14b generate first interference lights L7, L8 that are different from each other. That is, the wavelengths of the first interference lights L7, L8 are different from each other. As a result, the first interference pigments 14a, 14b exhibit a mixed color. The first interference pigments 14a, 14b may be, for example, a red interference pigment (red pearl pigment) and a gold interference pigment (gold pearl pigment), respectively. In this case, the first interference lights L7, L8 exhibit red and gold, respectively. The first interference pigments 14a, 14b may be interference pigments of other colors. The blending amounts of the first interference pigments 14a, 14b may be the same or different from each other.

[0098] In the second modification, the second color pigment chips 23 are second interference pigments 24 that generate a monochromatic interference light L9 different from the mixed color of the first interference pigments 14a, 14b. The second interference pigment 24 is composed of flakes that are transparent to visible light and a metal oxide film that covers the flakes (see FIG. 3). Light L incident on the second color pattern 20 from the translucent substrate 4 that is reflected on the surface of the metal oxide film interferes with light that passes through the metal oxide film and is reflected on the surface of the flakes, generating the interference light L9. The second interference pigment 24 includes a plurality of first titanium dioxide-coated mica particles 25a of a small particle size grade ranging from 5 μm to 25 μm in particle size, and a second titanium dioxide-coated mica particle 25b of a large particle size grade ranging from 25 μm to 40 μm in particle size. The average particle size (D50) of the first titanium dioxide-coated mica 25a is, for example, approximately 15 μm, and the average particle size (D50) of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b is, for example, approximately 25 μm. As a result, the average particle size of the first titanium dioxide-coated mica 25a is smaller than the average particle size of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b. The second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b may have a particle size range of 25 μm to 60 μm. In this case, the average particle size (D50) of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b is, for example, approximately 35 μm. Each of the multiple first titanium dioxide-coated mica 25a is arranged so as to fill the gaps between the multiple second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b.

[0099] When incident light L is incident on the second color pattern 20, the second interference pigment 24 generates a monochromatic second interference light L9. As a result, the second interference pigment 24 exhibits a monochromatic color. The second interference pigment 24 may be any interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light L9 different from the mixed color exhibited by the first interference pigments 14a, 14b, and may be, for example, a green interference pigment (green pearl pigment). In this case, the second interference light L9 exhibits green. Note that the second interference pigment 24 may be an interference pigment of a color other than green.

[0100] In the printed matter 2 according to the second modified example, a pattern is expressed by additively mixing the first interference light L7, L8 generated by the first interference pigments 14 a, 14 b and the second interference light L9 generated by the second interference pigment 24. Note that an embodiment is also possible in which the second color pattern 20 includes interference pigments of multiple colors that generate different interference light L7, L8, and the first color pattern 10 includes an interference pigment that generates a single-color interference light L9 that is different from the mixed color.

[0101] When the particle size of the interference pigment contained in the picture printing pattern 5 is small, the color development is weak, but the picture does not appear too dark even when the printed material is placed in front of a black screen. On the other hand, when the particle size of the interference pigment contained in the picture printing pattern 5 is large, the transparency of the printed material increases, but the color development of the picture can be improved. In the printed matter 2 according to the second modification, the interference pigment is configured to include a small particle size grade interference pigment and a large particle size grade interference pigment, and the small particle size grade interference pigment is arranged to fill the gaps between the large particle size grade interference pigments, thereby preventing the picture from appearing too dark and providing a printed matter with excellent color development. In other words, the printed matter 2 having the above configuration can provide a picture with excellent visibility and color development. Furthermore, in the printed matter 2 according to the second modification, the inclusion of a large particle size grade interference pigment prevents a decrease in the transparency of the picture printing pattern 5. Therefore, this printed matter effectively prevents a decrease in the visibility of the image on the display device when the power is turned on.

[0102] In the printed matter 2 according to the second modification, at least one of the first and second interference pigments may contain a small particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm and a large particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 25 μm to 60 μm. In this case, the color development of the pattern can be improved. Furthermore, by suppressing an unnecessary decrease in the transparency of the printed pattern 5, the visibility of the image displayed on the display device 1 can be improved when the display device 1 is used.

[0103] 21 , the picture printing pattern 5 of the printed matter 2 according to the third modification has a first color pattern 10 made up of a plurality of first color dots 11, and a second color pattern 20 made up of a plurality of second color dots 21, which is arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first color pattern 10. Each of the plurality of first color dots 11 includes a first color binder 12 and a plurality of first color pigment chips 13 dispersed within the first color binder 12.

[0104] In the third modified example, the multiple first color pigment chips 13 are interference pigments 14 that generate monochromatic interference light of a predetermined color. The interference pigments 14 are the same color as one of the interference pigments 24a or 24b described below. The interference pigments 14 are composed of flakes that are transparent to visible light and a metal oxide film that covers the flakes (see FIG. 3). When incident light L is incident on the first color pattern 10, the interference pigments 14 generate monochromatic interference light L10. As a result, the interference pigments 14 exhibit a monochromatic color.

[0105] The second color pattern 20 is composed of a plurality of second color dots 21. Each of the plurality of second color dots 21 includes a second color binder 22 and a plurality of second color pigment chips 23 dispersed within the second color binder 22. The plurality of second color pigment chips 23 are interference pigments 24a, 24b of a plurality of colors that generate different interference light beams L11, L12. Each of the interference pigments 24a, 24b is composed of a thin flake that is transparent to visible light and a metal oxide film that covers the thin flakes (see FIG. 3 ). When incident light L is incident on the second color pattern 20, the interference pigments 24a, 24b generate different interference light beams L11, L12. In other words, the wavelengths of the interference light beams L11, L12 are different from each other.

[0106] In the printed matter 2 according to the third modified example, the pattern is expressed by additively mixing the interference light L10 generated by the first interference pigment 14 and the interference light L11, L12 generated by the interference pigments 24 a, 24 b. Note that an embodiment in which the second color pattern 20 includes an interference pigment that generates the interference light L10 and the first color pattern 10 includes an interference pigment that generates the interference light L11, L12 may also be adopted.

[0107] In this printed matter, either the first color pattern or the second color pattern contains interference pigments of multiple colors that generate different interference light beams L11 and L12, thereby achieving a three-dimensional image even with a small number of printed patterns. Furthermore, in this printed matter, the pattern containing the interference pigment that generates the multiple interference light beams L11 and L12 can be either one of the first color pattern or the second color pattern, thereby simplifying color matching and registration during printing. Meanwhile, the other of the first color pattern and the second color pattern contains a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light beam L10 that is the same color as one of the multiple first interference pigments. For example, for a pattern that can be expressed with a small number of colors, limiting the second interference pigment to the same monochromatic color as the first interference pigment allows the pattern to be expressed by varying the intensity of the monochromatic color. Furthermore, when a certain color tone needs to be emphasized, using both the first color pattern and the second color pattern makes it easier to adjust the color tone than adjusting it with just one color pattern. Furthermore, if too much interference pigment is added to one color pattern, the strength of the coating film will decrease, but by using two color patterns, this decrease in strength can be suppressed, which simplifies the color matching and registration work during printing.

[0108] 22 , the picture printing pattern 5 of the printed matter 2 according to the fourth modification has a first color pattern 10 made up of a plurality of first color dots 11, and a second color pattern 20 made up of a plurality of second color dots 21, which is arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first color pattern 10. Each of the plurality of first color dots 11 includes a first color binder 12 and a plurality of first color pigment chips 13 dispersed within the first color binder 12.

[0109] The plurality of first color pigment chips 13 are interference pigments 14 that generate monochromatic interference light L13 of a predetermined color. The interference pigments 14 are composed of flakes that are transparent to visible light and a metal oxide film that covers the flakes (see FIG. 3). When incident light L is incident on the first color pattern 10, the interference pigments 14 generate monochromatic interference light L13. As a result, the interference pigments 14 exhibit a monochromatic color.

[0110] The second color pattern 20 is composed of a plurality of second color dots 21. Each of the plurality of second color dots 21 includes a second color binder 22 and a plurality of second color pigment chips 23 dispersed within the second color binder 22. The plurality of second color pigment chips 23 are interference pigments 24 that generate monochromatic interference light L14 that is different from the color exhibited by the interference pigment 14. The interference pigment 24 is composed of flakes that are transparent to visible light and a metal oxide film that covers the flakes (see FIG. 3 ). When incident light L is incident on the second color pattern 20, the interference pigment 24 generates monochromatic interference light L14. As a result, the interference pigment 24 exhibits a monochromatic color.

[0111] In the printed matter 2 according to this fourth modified example, the pattern is expressed by additively mixing the interference light L13 generated by the first interference pigment 14 and the second interference light L14 generated by the second interference pigment 24.

[0112] In this printed matter, the first color pattern contains a first interference pigment that generates a monochromatic first interference light, and the second color pattern contains a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light that is different from the color represented by the first interference pigment. For example, for a pattern that can be expressed with a small number of colors, by limiting the interference pigments contained in the first color pattern and the second color pattern to a single color, it is possible to express the pattern using only the intensity of the monochromatic color. Therefore, this printed matter simplifies color matching and registration work during printing.

[0113] The display device and printed matter according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other modifications are possible. For example, although the above description has been given of an example in which the picture printing pattern 5 is composed of two patterns, the picture printing pattern 5 may include at least one pattern. Furthermore, the picture printing pattern 5 may be composed of three or more overlapping patterns.

[0114] 1...display device, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C...printed matter, 3...light source (display device), 4...light-transmitting substrate, 5...picture printing pattern, 10...first color pattern, 11...first color dots, 12...first color binder, 13...first color pigment chips, 14a, 14b...first interference pigment, 20...second color pattern, 21...second color dots, 22...second color binder, 23...second color pigment chips, 24...second interference pigment, 30...adjustment pattern, 40...transmissive smoke printed layer, L...incident light, L1 to L14...interference light.

Claims

1. A printed matter comprising: a translucent substrate; a picture print pattern provided on one surface of the translucent substrate; and an adjustment pattern having a topology that is an inverted pattern of the color pattern that constitutes the picture print pattern, wherein the color pattern is composed of a plurality of color dots of one or more colors, each of the plurality of color dots including a color pattern binder and a plurality of pigment chips dispersed within the binder, each of the plurality of pigment chips being an interference pigment that generates interference light, and the adjustment pattern is formed from ink having a low diffusion effect.

2. The printed matter according to claim 1, wherein the ink constituting the adjustment pattern has a reflective haze value of 10% or less.

3. The printed matter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment pattern is formed using ink that adjusts color by subtractive color mixing.

4. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustment pattern is configured so that the shape of the transmittance spectrum in the visible light region of the adjustment pattern corresponds to the shape of the transmittance spectrum in the visible light region of the color pattern.

5. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the adjustment pattern has a light reflectance of 5% or less in the visible light region.

6. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a transparent smoke printed pattern provided on the opposite side of the picture printed pattern from the light-transmitting substrate.

7. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a solid layer provided between the picture print pattern and the adjustment pattern.

8. The printed matter described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the picture print pattern has: a first color pattern made up of a plurality of first color dots; and a second color pattern made up of a plurality of second color dots, arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the first color pattern; each of the plurality of first color dots includes a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed within the first color binder; each of the plurality of second color dots includes a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed within the second color binder; one of the plurality of first color pigment chips and the plurality of second color pigment chips is a first interference pigment of a plurality of colors that respectively generate first interference light different from each other; and the other of the plurality of first color pigment chips and the plurality of second color pigment chips is a second interference pigment that generates a single color second interference light different from the mixed color exhibited by the plurality of colors of first interference pigment, and the first interference light and the second interference light are additively mixed.

9. The printed matter according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first interference pigment and the second interference pigment comprises a small particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm, and a large particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm.

10. The printed matter according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first interference pigment and the second interference pigment comprises a small particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm, and a large particle size grade interference pigment having a particle size range of 25 μm to 60 μm.

11. The printed matter described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the picture print pattern has: a first color pattern made up of a plurality of first color dots; and a second color pattern made up of a plurality of second color dots, arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the first color pattern; each of the plurality of first color dots includes a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed within the first color binder; each of the plurality of second color dots includes a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed within the second color binder; one of the plurality of first color pigment chips and the plurality of second color pigment chips is a first interference pigment of a plurality of colors that respectively generate first interference light different from each other; and the other of the plurality of first color pigment chips and the plurality of second color pigment chips is a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light of the same color as any of the plurality of first interference pigments of the plurality of colors, and the first interference light and the second interference light are additively mixed.

12. The printed matter described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the picture printing pattern has: a first color pattern made up of a plurality of first color dots; and a second color pattern made up of a plurality of second color dots, arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the first color pattern; each of the plurality of first color dots includes a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed within the first color binder; each of the plurality of second color dots includes a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed within the second color binder; the plurality of first color pigment chips are a first interference pigment that generates a monochromatic first interference light; and the plurality of second color pigment chips are a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light different from the color indicated by the first interference pigment; and the first interference light and the second interference light are additively mixed.

13. A display device comprising the printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a light source.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the light source is a display device.

Images